2014 Quintus (St-Emilion)

The Château Quintus 2014 was picked between 29 September until 8 October and consists of 69% Merlot and 31% Cabernet Franc. It represents 23% of the the total crop that of course, now includes L’Arrosée (three hectares that were unclassified now used for a 3rd label.) It has a candied bouquet, clearly with much more fruit concentration than the deuxième vin: hints of licorice developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, supple tannin, soft and plush in the mouth, a generous Quintus in the making, one with a crowd-pleasing aspect to it without compromising on quality. 90-92 points

Only 23% of the production went into the grand vin, to good effect it would appear, because this Domaine Clarence Dillon-owned property hit new heights in 2014. Polished, aromatic and well judged, this has sweetness and ripeness (as well as comparatively high alcohol), but is long and refreshing. 94 points